Arts Lab Member Portraits

A new catalog of portraits of the Gateway Media Arts Lab creative community.

I recently stated a fun new project at the Gateway Media Arts Lab. 

The Lab is a launchpad for local businesses, entrepreneurs and creative enterprises, and is located in my home city of Mount Rainier, Maryland. I primarily use it as a location for headshot sessions. The project, initially proposed to me by The Lab’s Director, Michelle Darden Lee, has me creating a new catalog of portraits of the Gateway Media Arts Lab community.

This is one of those mutually beneficial endeavors that I love to pursue. Each participating member will receive a free portrait session and a collection of fresh images they can use however they please. 

The Lab will receive a batch of favorites from each session that can be used to promote its community and the talent it encompasses. 

All the while, I get to create some great new work and hopefully build a stronger connection with the artists and entrepreneurs that work out of The Lab. 

I completed the first session last week and after some experimentation and testing, decided to do sitting portraits on bright white backgrounds. 

The first session of a series is always important because it sets the overall tone and direction for the rest of the project. I went in with little to no plan except for my perpetual admiration for Platon and a willingness to try just about anything. 

Michael Chin and his wife Desiree Williams were super fun to work with and gave me time to experiment with a few looks and techniques before settling on a setup that will be the baseline for the rest of the project. They are in the midst of launching a faith based clothing line, Prayer Changes Things, so be on the lookout for that in the near future. Good timing by them, too, to score some free photos!

My hope is that the needs and personality of each participant will direct the posing and overall feel of their session. The little vignette I put together in the Arts Lab Gallery will provide me with a consistent starting point while allowing ample creative flexibility for each session. 

Plus it’s easy to setup and break down, which always helps. 

I will be working on these portraits at The Lab most Thursdays for the next few weeks, so if you’re a member and want to book your session, contact Michael Chin or send me an email and we will get you into the schedule.